Thu, 14 Dec 2017 02:04:45 +0000en_GBhourly1Mon, 22 Sep 2014 13:51:42 +0000trucksFinding the right forklift truck for your processes is not always easy. However, the ultimate decision can be made even more difficult once companies start to consider the option of used forklifts too. Whilst those businesses for whom money is no object (and these companies are becoming increasingly rare) may not balk at paying far more for the latest models and in turn boosting their image by showing the world that they can afford the very best assets, for most, the cost of buying a new vehicle will far outweigh the benefits.

In short, the majority of companies could benefit a great deal by narrowing down their options instantly and choosing from our available range of used forklift trucks.

Cost and Quality

Just as a car will lose a huge amount of its value the very second it is driven off the forecourt, forklift trucks will also see their value plummet the moment they are first used. As such, just as those looking for a car will pay far less for an excellent car with low mileage that is in perfect working order just so long as it has had one previous owner, those looking for forklift trucks will find that opting for a second hand vehicle allows them to pay far less for such a forklift without them having to compromise on quality.

Ordinary road users would not think twice about opting for a second hand vehicle, being well aware that once price and quality have been balanced, choosing a well-maintained second hand vehicle equates to a far more prudent investment. As such, the key to buying a used forklift is to ensure that they are bought from reputable dealers, have been thoroughly examined and that the dealer you choose to buy from offers a decent warranty on the vehicle.

Options

Buying second hand may actually offer you the chance to find more suitable options too. Those new vehicles that are perfect for your needs but out of your price range may be easily affordable if they are bought just a few years later and therefore choosing second hand forklifts may be a great way of ensuring you get the right solution rather than having to compromise on usability. Whether you need narrow-aisle trucks or those that can transport very significant loads, the best way to get the right solution at the right price will always be to look into second hand options.

Here at Trucks Direct UK, we have an extensive range of high-quality used trucks to satisfy all needs and budgets, and whether it is finding a forklift that is powered by a certain kind of fuel that has proved difficult or whether you simply need a truck of a specific size to suit your processes, we will have a solution for everyone.

So no matter whether you simply need to watch your expenditure, don’t care about buying the latest vehicle only to see it sit in a warehouse and never see the light of day, or whether you simply cannot find the right solution at the right price when looking at new vehicles, it is likely that used forklifts will be the best solution for the majority of companies.

]]>Mon, 22 Sep 2014 13:47:49 +0000trucksRecent figures have made it clear that small and medium-sized businesses have a huge amount to gain from the recent economic upturn. The expected annual turnover of SMEs is rising significantly, with many medium-sized enterprises having seen revenue rise significantly in the past six months alone.

Whilst things are very much looking good for SMEs, many still believe it is far too risky to start investing significant amounts into their business. However, experts are suggesting that investment is exactly what is needed if businesses are to make the most of this renewed prosperity.

Whilst numerous businesses are indeed planning for growth over the next twelve months, many are investing far too little of their profits back into their company, whilst others are too afraid to scale-up at all. for those operating on this level, HSBC has suggested that making positive investment decisions now will be vital for those that wish to capitalise on their potential. The bank has also set aside £6bn to create an SME fund which will allow small and medium-sized businesses access to increased funds in a bid to help them grow in the most appropriate way rather than being held back by fallout from the recession.

Cautious

A sizeable number of businesses are still cautious about the economic recovery, fearing that spending too much is what got the nation into its recent financial problems in the first place. However, the old adage rings true, you really do need to spend money to make money - it is merely the case that investments need to be made in the right areas and that extravagant spending should not be done merely for its own sake.

Those not planning for growth and not making sensible investments are likely to find that they are left behind as the economy improves further. As such, now is the time to use excess capital or seek funds from the many options available to make positive investments into the future of a company.

The right investments

Of course, investing in the company doesn’t mean that businesses have to spend everything they have and whilst investment and growth are both important, so is tempering the urge to spend as much as one can possibly afford to. As such, for companies looking to grow in the most focussed and effective manner, it will be wise to shop around for deals rather than simply diving in to buy the first option one finds.

At Trucks Direct UK we have a range of perfect forklift solutions for businesses of any size. Whilst upgrading machinery or investing in one’s first forklift will be important to help them maximise efficiency and increase potential, there is no need to buy the newest and most expensive truck on the market. Instead, by sourcing one of our high-quality, fully-certified second hand vehicles, companies could get all the usability and longevity they need from such a vehicle at a fraction of the price of a brand new option.

With financial indicators looking extremely positive, right now is the perfect time to invest in the future of a business. However, that doesn’t mean companies should pay more than they need to for the assets that will help them succeed.

]]>Mon, 22 Sep 2014 13:45:59 +0000trucksEach year, thousands of accidents happen in workplaces involving forklift trucks. Whilst many of these do not lead to serious injuries, the number of those hurt in such incidents is still significant. In the US alone, 85 people die every year in forklift accidents, whilst a more conservative figure was seen in the UK in 2013, with just 6 fatalities arising. However, whilst fatality rates are declining in the UK, more still needs to be done. As such, once you have found the perfect forklift for your needs, it will then be wise to think about which safety precautions are most suitable for your business to ensure you do not add to these alarming safety statistics.

Training

Adequate training will go a long way in helping to keep your employees safe in environments where forklift trucks are used. Whilst it may seem as though very little will change over the years, not only might best practices very much evolve over time, but it is also very easy for forklift drivers and those around them to become complacent as time goes by, getting used to the usage and presence of such vehicles. In turn, when problems do arise, it can be very easy for one to forget their training if they have not been on regular refresher courses.

However, training alone is not going to be enough to keep individuals safe, and whilst those operating trucks will need to know how to do so safely, those in management positions will also need to understand and enforce the safety rules governing the use of such vehicles. If management let small issues slide, it will be easy for drivers to take liberties without realising the dangers they are presenting.

Trucks should also be checked on a regular basis to ensure that they are fit to be driven and will not be the cause of an accident in their own right.

Safety tips

Once the right training has been offered to drivers (on a regular basis), it will still be important to offer a list of safety tips to those driving forklifts. At Trucks Direct UK, we fully understand the importance of finding the right truck and using it in the correct way. Below, we have compiled a list of the most important safety tips to consider when forklift trucks are concerned. By clearly displaying such a list and ensuring people regularly take the time to refresh their knowledge, the chances of accidents occurring will be significantly reduced.

CHECKLIST

All operators need to be properly trained

Appropriate clothing should always be worn

The right truck should be chosen for a given workspace in terms of size, load capability and fuel

Equipment should be regularly examined and maintained

Speed restrictions should be strictly enforced

Forklifts should not be started until the driver has checked the controls and is seated correctly

Forklifts should only be driven in designated areas

Drivers should constantly be aware of their surroundings and have excellent visibility at all times

Hazards should be well marked and avoided

Loads should be kept stable and secure

Safe stopping distances should be understood and observed

Loads should be thoroughly checked and evenly distributed before they are moved

Trucks should be used responsibly to carry designated loads only

Pedestrians should always avoid walking under or near the forks

Forklifts should never be overloaded under any circumstance

Trucks should be parked in designated areas when not in use, with the key removed

Forklifts should not be left unattended whilst engines are running

]]>Mon, 16 Jun 2014 10:31:43 +0000trucksFinding used forklifts that are right for your own workspace is only one part of ensuring your business remains productive and safe. Once you have found the right truck that will safely handle loads of the relevant weight, retrieved from a specific height, you will also need to consider how your trucks are operated to make certain that those driving your forklifts, as well as all those around them, are as safe as possible.

Whilst many of the right approaches to forklift safety will involve nothing more than common sense, there are still many of safety issues that can be overlooked, and when forklifts have been used on a premises for many years, it is very easy for those around them to become complacent.

Before you start

Before any driver gets behind the wheel of a forklift, it will be vital that they have been properly trained and have the correct licence to legally use the vehicle. Any driver should also ensure they are wearing appropriate clothing including hard hat, hi-vis jacket and relevant footwear. Clothing should also not be too loose as such items can easily become caught on machinery.

Before starting the engine, operators should examine the forklift, noticing any damage or issues and reporting them to their superiors. By checking brakes, steering and tyres prior to each use, individuals will be far safer once they get to work. They should also ensure they are in the right position prior to starting the engine, correctly seated within the cab area, and have their seatbelt on.

Operating forklifts

Anyone driving a forklift will need to pay full attention to what is going on around them and ensure they follow all site guidelines and procedures to the letter, using the vehicle only in designated areas that are safe for its use. Knowing the truck itself will also be important to make sure it is not pushed beyond its limitations in terms of weight, height or speed. Speed limits will need to be adhered to and individuals will need to be aware of the height and width of their vehicle to ensure they do not damage property, the vehicle or those around them.

All hazards should be labelled within the workspace and any corners should be taken carefully, especially those that are sharp or tight.

Before moving off, it will be important to check the stability of loads, making sure the weight is evenly distributed and using securing measures where appropriate. It will also be important to check terrain in advance to ensure that, whilst moving loads, no unforeseen issues will crop up. When loading, always adhere to weight limits and do not use the forks as a lever to push or tip loads. Furthermore, be aware at all times of those around you and only use the vehicle when you have full and clear visibility. If necessary, enlist help rather than taking chances.

After use

The safe use of forklifts is not just about moving loads correctly, but also about making sure the forklifts are safe after use, whether during refuelling or when being left unattended. Only refill forklifts in designated areas, whilst the vehicles are switched off, and once you have finished using a vehicle, ensure it is parked in designated locations. Before leaving trucks unattended, always lower the forks to the ground, making sure that trucks have been turned off and the keys removed.

]]>Thu, 12 Jun 2014 10:32:54 +0000trucksSo, you have found the perfect truck or trucks for your needs, allowing you to maximise your productivity and space and in turn ensuring you will be able to vastly increase your profits. Now all you need is the right personnel to operate them. Whether you are looking for full-time staff to use trucks on a daily basis or whether you hope to hire in drivers to help only at very specific times, finding the right operators will be vital for the safety of your workplace and the efficiency of your procedures.

So what should you look for in a forklift operator? Experience will obviously be a plus, but it is not the only thing to consider when looking to add to your workforce, and you may even find that those with no experience who are simply committed, hardworking and very focussed on the details could be perfect for the job and that training individuals up is both straightforward and rewarding.

So what characteristics should you look for in applicants?

Experience

If you are hiring in or employing individuals on a freelance basis, experience will indeed be important. You will not want to spend time and money training up individuals who may only end up doing one or two days work for you. In such cases, look for individuals who have had experience driving a range of different trucks in a range of different environments.

Whether you are hiring individuals to work on a full-time or casual basis, a knowledge of industrial workplaces will be an advantage. The best candidates will already be comfortable in the presence of forklifts and already be well aware how they work and how they are most safely operated, whether inside or out. As such, you may even find that individuals on your current workforce who are looking for a change may be great candidates for the role.

Safety Conscious

The best candidates will be very committed to safety, and whilst you may be able to glean a certain amount of how safety-conscious they are through interviews, you may have better luck finding out from previous bosses. Seek references from past employers whenever considering an individual for a driving role and make sure the references focus on their attitude to safety as well as their attention to detail. Industrial workspaces can be very dangerous places and it is vital that those driving trucks are going to constantly perform with safety in mind.

Focus

The best drivers will be focussed, constantly aware of what is going on around them. This is not just about making sure that other members of the team will be kept safe but also about ensuring that potential drivers are good with details. They should quickly be able to work out exactly what they need to get and where it needs to go and should be able to respond to changes in their environment or changes to their task quickly and easily. Again, references will help flag up who is and isn’t a good candidate in this respect as will simple questions or some very straightforward tests.

]]>Sun, 08 Jun 2014 10:01:35 +0000trucksIn the first quarter of 2014, the economy grew by 0.8%, taking total growth over the past 12 months to 3.1%. In turn, Britain now has one of the fastest growing economies in the west, one that is being significantly buoyed by increased consumer spending as well as the growth of firms, particularly those in the SME world.

With increased consumer spending being seen across the board, 2014 is looking extremely bright for businesses of all sizes, and with increased prosperity may come a need to refocus certain internal processes to ensure that potential profit can be maximised.

One such area that may need focus is warehouse space, and as custom increases, the need for well designed, well stocked and well run warehouses will increase proportionately. After all, if you are not maximising all of your available space or have issues with your supply chain, you may well miss out on a great deal of potential custom. With this year having the potentially to be the busiest for businesses in almost a decade, companies could see their profits and in turn their future potential increase exponentially - and being ready for the rush will be vital.

Investment

We all know that the old adage ‘you have to spend money to make money’ is a cliche. However, cliches persist due to the fact that they are based on certain universal truths, and those who truly wish to make more of their potential in this time of increased prosperity will indeed have to make some canny investments. Furthermore, by investing in the right warehouse equipment and solutions, companies may simply be protecting themselves from unexpected and significantly increased costs in the future.

For those who wish to increase their available space and in turn the amount they can safely store to boost their ability to fulfil customers’ needs, the right racking and the right forklift trucks will be vital. Both will ensure that items can be stored safely and accessed easily, whilst the latter will also help vastly reduce the amount of space wasted by allowing companies to reduce aisle size or to simply utilise far more vertical space. It will also be important to make sure that the trucks you buy are right for the environment in which they will be used, and that they can handle whatever the British weather chooses to throw at them.

Other considerations

Whilst the right racking and the right forklifts will increase efficiency and storage space in equal measures, there are other things to consider when preparing for busier times. Your premises will need to be prepared, but so will your workforce, so ensure that you have both the right number and right quality of staff to help you cope as custom increases. This will not just be about providing good customer service but also about making sure that those in warehouses remain safe no matter how busy things get.

You may want to consider new stock control solutions too. If you have the right racking and the right trucks, efficiency will be vastly increased, but if you still have problems managing and controlling stock, your investments may all be for nothing. Ensure that your current processes are the best ones for you and that, no matter how busy things get, you are always able to control your levels of stock effectively.

]]>Sun, 01 Jun 2014 09:50:53 +0000trucksWhen buying a used forklift, you won’t want to simply sacrifice quality for the sake of cost. After all, no matter how much you pay for your forklifts they will still be very important investments and finding the perfect vehicle for your own needs could make a huge difference to how efficient and safe your workspace is.

There will be many different things to take into account when considering a used forklift, and from the quality and scope of the vehicle to how suitable it is for your own needs, taking the time to choose may well mean the difference between a vehicle you use constantly and one that can only rarely be utilised.

At Trucks Direct, we offer the very lowest prices in the UK for used forklift trucks and a price match guarantee to ensure you will always be getting the best deal. Furthermore, we offer finance options, a 12 month LOLER certificate and an extended warranty on all our vehicles. As such, when it comes to value for money, you can be sure you will be getting the best possible solution when you buy from us, but when it comes to practicality there will still be a number of things to think about.

Size

The first thing to look at when choosing a forklift truck is how big it is . Not only will you need to choose a forklift based on the height and weight of the loads that need lifting, but you will also need to think about how easily trucks will be able to move in your workspace.

When it comes to weight, always try to buy a truck that can handle twice the heaviest load you plan to move, and try to give yourself a little extra room to manoeuvre in terms of height, buying trucks that can extend slightly above the height you expect to need them to. After all, if processes or needs begin to vary, you do not want to have to be buying new trucks all over again simply to satisfy a very slight change.

In terms of usability, if you are using trucks in smaller spaces, you will want a narrow-aisle solution. It may even be that opting for such a truck allows you to redesign your entire workspace and make far more use of your potential capacity as a result.

Location

Will you be using the truck inside or outside, or will it be a mixture of both? On the whole, you are likely to find that electric forklifts are used inside and that diesel or gas are used most commonly outside. However, again, it may be that the location dictates everything from size to engine capacity if you wish to get the most suitable solution for your needs. After all, you don’t want to be changing gas tanks every twenty minutes if your trucks are to be used in a vast outside area.

Fuel

Whilst fuel choices will be informed partly by where you plan to use your truck, they may well be informed by many other variables too. For example, those that wish to reduce their carbon footprint or impress with their eco-friendly attitude may find that electric forklifts are perfect for them, whatever the environment, whilst those businesses that are active 24/7 and therefore cannot spare lengthy amounts of time to charge up their vehicles may find that diesel or gas trucks are better alternatives.

That being said, those using trucks indoors will not want to pollute their working environment with fumes and therefore will almost certainly need to look at choosing an electric truck.

Benefits

Buying a used forklift could save you a fortune, and whilst some will want new trucks merely for aesthetic reasons, most companies will find that used options are far more rewarding. Eliminating the huge depreciation costs and increasing the range of options available, whilst at the same time reducing the initial cost and potentially removing the need to take out finance plans, for most companies, choosing used options will make far more sense all round.

]]>Tue, 27 May 2014 09:58:30 +0000trucksThe importance of businesses looking into ways to reduce their carbon footprint should not be overlooked. Not only is new legislation being brought in all the time to mitigate the increasing environmental problems caused by excessive CO2 emissions, but customers themselves are also more and more likely to choose environmentally-conscious companies over those with no environmental credentials.

However, as Kermit put it: it’s not easy being green. So how can warehouses decrease their carbon emissions without it affecting their efficiency or their potential profits? Whilst there will be a whole host of energy-saving solutions on the market to help any business run more efficiently, one of the best ways to prove how green you are is to switch those carbon-loving forklifts for eco-friendly alternatives.

Electric forklifts

Electric vehicles were once the staple of futuristic films and those deemed crazy for thinking that charging up rather than filling up their car was a good idea. However, the future is now here and it is not at all barmy. Now, from businesses to consumers, more and more people are using electric vehicles for a whole range of different purposes and reaping not only environmental benefits but also financial ones at the very same time.

This means that, with infrastructure now in place to help facilitate the use of electric vehicles, there has never been a better time to buy an electric forklift, especially since your premises will already have the facilities to recharge batteries in abundance.

Electric forklifts are the greenest solutions for any workplace and not only will they help businesses to reduce their overheads whilst at the same time reducing noise pollution, but they will also make the workplace quite literally cleaner. From the fact that they produce no toxic fumes to the fact that they will erase the need to have diesel lying around to fill up tanks, they will make the workplace far cleaner and far greener in many different ways, not to mention safer.

Increasingly popular

Electric forklifts are becoming increasingly popular in warehouses across the world. Not only do they reduce the cost of running vehicles, but they also make their use far easier too, being perfectly safe to use in almost any environment and ensuring that trucks can be left to charge overnight rather than individuals needing to go through the hassle of laboriously changing gas bottles or refilling diesel tanks during the day.

Many people find that electric forklifts are far easier to use too. Since they only have two pedals and since their battery weight will help balance them effectively, they tend to be more compact and less reliant on individuals revving engines to produce power. Furthermore, by finding quality second hand products, they may also end up being a very cost-effective addition to your workplace, ensuring you can reap the reputational and financial benefits without needing to pay out excessive amounts upfront.

Therefore, whilst going green will help the environment and improve how consumers view your business, there will be just as many benefits for you, and at a time of increased buying power for companies across the globe, now may well be the perfect time to invest.

]]>Tue, 20 May 2014 09:55:52 +0000trucksAlmost any business will, at some time or another, find themselves constrained by physical limitations. In such cases, either productivity will be lost or excessive costs will be encountered as companies find they have to move premises or alter their entire approach to working to ensure they can continue to grow and evolve.

When it comes to warehouse space, physical limitations can be overcome in many different ways - not merely by utilising vertical space more effectively, but also by maximising the amount of floor space that can be utilised for storage and stock control.

In many instances, warehouse space will be limited due to the need for forklift trucks to successfully navigate aisles to retrieve and move large and heavy items, or those items stored at a certain height. However, by switching ordinary forklifts for Bendi forklift trucks, companies could find that they could increase their available storage space by as much as a third, narrowing aisles without compromising efficiency or safety.

Buying a new truck may in itself may seem to some to be an investment that simply isn’t feasible. Yet, finding the right forklift truck for your needs doesn’t have to cost a fortune. By choosing to buy used forklift trucks, you could find that you have access to the perfect solution for your needs without it costing you a significant amount of money. Furthermore, the increased revenue that could be generated by increasing storage and space, and the added efficiency that can be promoted through creating a more navigable workplace can both ensure that such investments pay for themselves in no time at all. For others, avoiding having to move to new premises could itself save vast amounts of money and upheaval.

Using a Bendi truck will also allow users to access spaces that were once out of bounds, meaning that even without changing the layout of aisles, spaces can be utilised far more efficiently.

Added Benefits of Increased Capacity

Bendi trucks increase space and productivity by being far more compact without compromising on safety or usability. They are perfect for those with smaller spaces or those who simply need to maximise the space they have. However, increasing warehouse capacity is not just about allowing companies to store more stock and in turn generate more profit.

In some cases, the use of Bendi trucks may allow other areas of a warehouse space to be used for other purposes, increasing the scope and potential of a business. In other cases, sections of saved space could be rented out to other companies to further boost profits. Furthermore, by being able to organise warehouses in a different way, companies may be able to create a space that is more intuitive, more navigable and safer at the same time.

Other Ways to Increase Space

For those who truly want to make more of their space, there are other steps that can be taken to increase warehouse capacity. Whether to avoid upscaling to new premises or whether to simply help businesses satisfy increased levels of custom for specific periods of the year, articulated forklifts can become just one piece of the puzzle.

By clearing out old stock, redesigning the workspace or even simply outsourcing a certain amount of your storage and stock control, utilising space more effectively will allow you to be more productive, more competitive and far safer all at the same time.

]]>Wed, 14 May 2014 09:03:33 +0000trucksWe recently purchased a forklift from your website. It was easy to negotiate
through your website to see what we needed. When questions were put forward
your response was quick and clear and i received a follow - up phone call. I am
very pleased with the purchase and it was put through its paces on day one.it
preformed its task well. Would I purchase again from Trucks Direct - Yes again
and again